Strictly fans have been left divided after Eddie Kadi was eliminated over Zara McDermott following the dance-off on Sunday night’s results show.
The comedian, 40, and partner Karen Hauer faced the bottom two with Love Islander, 26, but was sent home by the judges.
However some watching at home have questioned the decision on social media – especially as just two weeks ago he was scored a 10 from Shirley for their Movie Week Men In Black routine.
It came as Zara reflected on being in the bottom two again as she took to Instagram to say her ‘nerves got the better of her’ with this week’s routine.
One viewer said of the result on X: ‘I’m absolutely gutted Eddie and Karen have been eliminated, Eddie should be proud of himself and how well he has done.’
Tense: Strictly fans have been left divided after Eddie Kadi was eliminated over Zara McDermott following the dance-off on Sunday night’s results show
Sad: The comedian, 40, and partner Karen Hauer faced the bottom two with Love Islander, 26, but was sent home by the judges
Another said: ‘So sad to see them go. Eddie and Karen had something special and I can agree that Eddie’s natural groove could get in his way, but he can move.’
A third posted: ‘Didn’t agree with that result at all tonight.’
A fourth said: ‘Eddie and Karen should have stayed in Strictly I’m no judge but they blend so well and have so much more rhythm…’
The elimination came just two weeks after the pair scored a 10 from Shirley Ballas for their Movie Week Men In Black routine.
Zara took to her social media after to express how she was feeling after a few tough weeks.
She penned: ‘Being in the dance off for the second time was definitely not the easiest moment of our Strictly journey so far.
‘I think I let those nerves get the better of me during our performance, and I knew I could have done better. I definitely felt like I let myself down when I walked off the dance floor, as I knew I could have pushed through those jelly legs a bit more, both physically & mentally!
‘But.. the main thing is that we are so grateful to the judges for saving us. I’m just not ready for this journey to be over, and the thought of leaving last night broke my heart.
Opinions: However some watching at home have questioned the decision on social media – especially as just two weeks ago he was scored a 10 from Shirley for their Movie Week Men In Black routine
Tough: It came as Zara reflected on being in the bottom two again as she took to Instagram to say her ‘nerves got the better of her’ with this week’s routine
Farewell: Eddie and his dance partner Karen had to say their goodbyes after landing at the bottom of the leaderboard and losing the dance off
‘I’ve made a promise to myself & Graz that this week I am going to work on controlling those nerves, and not letting them get in the way of me doing my BEST!’
Eddie and his dance partner Karen had to say their goodbyes after landing at the bottom of the leaderboard and losing the dance off.
Eddie was scored a disappointing 24 out of 40 with his Samba to Calm Down by Rema and Selena Gomez.
First up to perform in the dance off saw Eddie and Karen who danced the Samba again, before Zara and her dance partner Graziano Di Prima performed their American Smooth to Can’t Fight The Moonlight by LeAnn Rimes.
After both couples performed the best they could to win a place into next week’s competition, the judges gave their verdict.
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke were all in favour of Zara and Graziano, meaning the majority vote saw them through to another week.
Fourth judge Shirley Ballas also revealed Zara and Graziano had her vote.
Craig said: ‘For me the quality of dance in this couple was far superior and the couple I would like to save is Zara and Graziano.’
Meanwhile, Motsi said: ‘For me, it was extremely close. The quality was actually very, very close. It came down to details and I would love to save Zara and Graziano.’
Anton said: ‘Well, I thought that was an excellent dance off. I thought both couples danced very, very well but for me with a slightly cleaner technique, I’d like to save Zara and Graziano.’
Speaking about his time on the show, Eddie said: ‘I’ve really enjoyed this, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do – I love dancing.
‘This has been the highest moment of my career – it’s the happiest I’ve ever been, but not just for me – my family – my little baby girl is at home doing the Men in Black dance.
‘More importantly, this little African boy, I just wanted my culture to shine. Everything I stand for, when it comes to my comedy, when it comes to my presenting, is based on my culture, is based on my upbringing and I wanted that to shine most importantly.
‘Even more importantly this wonderful Queen [to Karen], there are two parts to this show – we want to entertain, I believe that God has brought this to me, I just want to make people happy and this gem over here has kept me happy – I love you so much God bless you.’
Karen gushed: ‘You are a treasure, I’m going to miss you [to Eddie] – well I’ll see you tomorrow!
Fourth out: After both couples performed the best they could to win a place into next week’s competition, the judges gave their verdict
‘We’re going to take up Congolese dancing. I just want to thank you so much for being so positive and bringing such light and smiling, just a beauty to all of us, I want to thank you so much.’
Sunday’s Results show also featured the professional dancers taking viewers back in time with a fabulous 60s Fosse-inspired number and a special Planet Earth III themed performance of Pompeii from Bastille in the ballroom.
The remaining couples will take to the dancefloor next week for a spook-tacular Halloween special on Saturday October 28 at 6:40pm.
The results show will return on Sunday October 29 at 7:20pm on BBC One.
Eddie and Karen will be joining Fleur East for their first exclusive televised interview live on Strictly: It Takes Two on Monday October 23 at 6:30pm on BBC Two.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.’
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’
Eddie Kadi
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.’
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’
Annabel Croft
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’
